Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Cuban strongman an “inspiring example for many countries” and a “symbol of an era” in a telegram he sent to the former leader’s brother and successor, Raul Castro.

“While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for ‘el Comandante,’” he wrote.

French President Francois Hollande, however, noted his concerns over the Castro regime’s human rights record, as he welcomed the warming of relations between Cuba and the U.S.

“Fidel Castro was a towering figure of the 20th century. He incarnated the Cuban revolution, in both its hopes and subsequent disillusionments,” Hollande said. “France, which condemned human rights abuses in Cuba, had equally challenged the U.S. embargo on Cuba, and France was glad to see the two countries re-establish dialogue and open ties between themselves.”

Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa remarked how “a great has left us,” while Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro called Castro “an example of the fight for all the people in the world.”

Bolivia’s President Evo Morales said Castro “left us a legacy of having fought for the integration of the world’s peoples,” while El Salvador’s leader Salvador Sanchez called him the country’s “eternal friend.”

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma thanked Castro for his help as black South Africans struggled against apartheid. “President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid,” Zuma said via a statement. “He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid.”

Zuma’s party, the ruling African National Congress, also expressed sadness over the news.